Table 2.

Case definition for a confirmed case of SARS

An individual with symptoms and signs that are clinically suggestive of SARS

AND

with laboratory evidence of SARS-CoV infection based on one or more of the following:

(a) PCR positive for SARS-CoV using a validated method from:

• At least two different clinical specimens (eg respiratory and stool) OR

• The same clinical specimen collected on two or more occasions during the course of the illness OR

• Two different assays or repeat PCR using a new RNA extract from the original clinical sample on each occasion of testing

(b) Seroconversion by ELISA or IFA

• Negative antibody test on acute serum followed by positive antibody test on convalescent phase serum tested in parallel OR

• Four-fold or greater rise in antibody titre between the acute and convalescent phase sera tested in parallel

(c) Virus isolation

• Isolation in cell culture of SARS-CoV from any specimen; plus PCR confirmation using a validated method